To make sure you’re Disneyland adventure is a dream come true, consider staying one of the best Disneyland hotels in the Anaheim area.
Going to Disneyland is an experience unlike any other. It beckons people of all ages and from all over the world to Anaheim, California, to make special memories, start family traditions, and celebrate milestone moments with a little help from mouse ears and Disney magic. Whatever your reason for visiting, you’ll need somewhere to kick your feet up and recharge after a long day at the park.
The number of hotel options near Disneyland can seem overwhelming at first as there are dozens of options to choose from. What’s the best Disneyland hotel for you really comes down to several key factors: how close you want to be to the park, the environment you want to stay in, and, of course, your budget.
Here are 10 of the best Disneyland hotels, in order of their distance to the park:
As an extension of the California Adventure park, the Grand Californian carries on the theme of California’s national parks with Craftsman-style architecture reminiscent of a mountain lodge, complete with roaring fireplaces in the lobby. The grand hotel strives to live up to its name and be on our list of best Disneyland hotels with an impressive offering of services and amenities that include treatments at the full-service spa, three outdoor pools, “magical morning” access to the park before it opens to the public, and a variety of on-site restaurants and lounges.
It’s worth mentioning that the Grand Californian charges pretty “grand” prices for their rooms and services. During peak travel times, the hotel’s average nightly rate can be two to three times as much as the other choices on this list, but if staying in the Disney mindset for your whole vacation is important to you, then it could be worth it. The rooms are average size but the beautiful buildings and grounds really do set the Californian apart. With views of the park during the day and the fireworks at night, plus visits from Pluto and friends, you’ll be surrounded by Disney Magic throughout your visit.
Tucked away right outside of California Adventure Park, the Paradise Pier Hotel is just close enough to be part of the magic, but secluded enough to offer a respite from the crowds and noise. A private entrance leads from the hotel to the park so it’s easy to come and go as you please. (Nap time, anyone?)
The kids will love the expansive pool, the Paradise Theater showing Disney films, and hanging out with Minnie Mouse & Friends at breakfast. Parents will consid love the Yamabuki Japanese restaurant and the Surfside Lounge. Babysitting services are available, too, if Mom and Dad need a date night.
Originally built in 1955, the Disneyland Hotel was the first Disney-themed hotel and is still considered one of the best Disneyland hotels and one of the most popular places to stay near the park. The 4-star hotel has gone through several major renovations over the years; the current interior design gives a nod to mid-century nostalgia with modern luxury and, of course, lots of Disney flare.
The hotel has four restaurants, three pools, and lush gardens with waterfalls and a koi pond. Disney characters regularly make appearances during breakfast hours and you can catch the nightly fireworks from the club-level cocktail lounge with a glass of complimentary beer or wine.
Located just a ten-minute walk to the Disneyland gates and loaded with amenities like an on-site water park, free WiFi and cooked-to-order breakfast, the Courtyard Anaheim consistently ranks as one of the best Disneyland hotels. Rooms can sleep up to six people with two showers and double sinks, the family won’t be fighting for bathroom time while getting ready in the morning. The lobby restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and there’s a Starbucks where you can fuel up before a big day in the park. Best of all, you can put on your PJ’s and watch the nightly Disneyland fireworks from your balcony.
Tip: Double-check when you’re booking that you’re at the “Theme Park Entrance” Courtyard. There are two other Anaheim Courtyard hotels: one at the Convention Center and another at Buena Park.
The Best Western Plus consistently receives some of the best guest reviews of any Anaheim Hotel, which makes it one of the best Disneyland hotels. Happy guests frequently mention the friendly staff, clean rooms, and they like that the hotel is less than a 10-minute walk to the Disneyland gate.
While many area hotels charge a hefty daily fee for parking, the Best Western offers parking to its guests for free. There’s also free hot breakfast every morning so you can fuel up before hitting the park. These perks can really add up—especially if you’re traveling with kids and staying for several days.
Of the several Holiday Inns in Anaheim, this one is the closest to Disneyland. This family-friendly hotel will be a bit (or a lot) easier on your wallet than some of the nearby hotels, while still delivering on the goods. Perks include a second-floor firework viewing deck, the Splash Zone Waterpark, poolside food, and beverage service and optional Disney-themed suites.
For animal lovers, this is one of the best Disneyland hotels since dogs are welcome for an additional fee—they’re family, too!
The Desert Palms is another one of the best Disneyland hotels for budget-conscious travelers. The hotel is a short walk from the Disneyland main gate and in close proximity to several shops and restaurants. Guests love the complimentary breakfast buffet, the safe and well-lit underground parking, the modern décor, and the clean rooms. Parking isn’t included but is only $16.00 per night, which is about half of what you’ll be charged at many neighboring hotels.
While some visitors like the idea of a 24/7 Disney-themed vacation, others prefer a little reprieve from the hustle and bustle after a long day in the park. If that’s you, the Hyatt House is a great option for your stay. This hotel will feel like your “home away from home” with spacious suites that include a kitchen, plus a free grocery shopping service to stock the fridge for you. The swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and social gathering areas offer everything you need for a relaxing getaway.
The Hyatt House is conveniently located near Anaheim activities and attractions, too. Catch a game at Angel Stadium or the Honda Center, visit Knott’s Berry Farm theme park, or shop ‘til you drop at one of the nearby shopping centers or outlet malls.
The Hotel Indigo Anaheim is a trendy and charming boutique hotel in the Anaheim Resort District, just a 15-minute walk to Disneyland a 4-minute walk to dining, entertainment and shopping at Anaheim GardenWalk. Amenities include gated covered parking, an outdoor pool, a restaurant with an inspired menu, and a bar/lounge. Hotel Indigo is family-friendly but if you’re traveling without children, this hotel has a lot to offer. The hip and trendy atmosphere, lively bar and restaurant, and close proximity to the GardenWalk makes the Indigo one of the best Disneyland hotels for grown-ups.
The Country Inn & Suites opened for business in late 2016, which makes it one of the newer hotels on the block. The hotel offers a lot of valuable extras like free continental breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. There’s a movie theater for kids, an on-site bar for the adults, and the pool area doubles as a viewing deck for the nightly Disneyland fireworks.
Disney Annual Passport members get a booking discount, and Disneyland passes are available at the front desk so you can skip the long lines at the ticketing window.
So there you have it…everything you ever wanted to know about hotels in Anaheim, CA. Whether you’re seeking a luxury experience, something new and hip, or just a safe place to rest your head at night, there’s something sure to meet your needs. Whatever you do, there’s no doubt your Disneyland vacation will be one to remember.
– By Shauna Murray
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–By Shauna Murray 4/20/2019
